Salisbury Fire Department

2009 News
Friday November 6, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Working Fire
"C" Shift was dispatched to 706 S. Ellis Street at 14:19 PM for a reported utility lines down call. Quint 2 arrived on scene to find live lines down on a residence, with the exterior of the structure on fire. Quint 2 upgraded the call to a working structure fire. Quint 2 took a water supply and fire attack from the exterior until crews could arrive on scene. Engine 1 arrived on scene and put the FAST line in place, while Quint 2 went interior. Crews were able to confine the fire to the exterior of the residence, and called the scene under control.
Sunday October 18, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds Mutual Aid To Working Fire
Quint 1 "B" Shift was dispatched to 313 S. Long Street in East Spencer at 23:07 PM for a reported structure fire. East Spencer crews arrived on scene with a working fire from a single story wood frame residential, approximately 60 percent involved. Quint 1 was assigned fire attack upon their arrival. Crews made the decision that the fire would be defensive only, and pulled exposure lines. Defensive operations were put in place, and crews remained on scene until the fire was brought under control. Quint 1 was released, and returned to quarters.
Friday October 16, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Vehicle Fire at Wal-Mart
Quint 1 "B" Shift was dispatched to 323 S. Arlington Street at 01:45 AM for a reported vehicle fire. Salisbury Police Department arrived on scene and confirmed a fully involved vehicle fire. Quint 1 arrived on scene and pulled the front trash line for extinguishment. Quint 1 remained on scene until the wrecker service arrived.
Sunday October 4, 2009
Fire Prevention Week
Salisbury Fire Department will participate in fire prevention week again this year. Crews will be visiting local schools and day cares to provide fire safety tips to children of all ages. Tour groups have been scheduled all week long for field trips and parents to come to Fire Station 1 with their children to learn about fire safety. The Salisbury Fire Department takes pride in providing this life saving information every year, and will continue to do so in the future. The theme this year is "Stay fire smart! Don't get burned."

Friday October 2, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Attends Fallen Firefighter Memorial
Members of the Salisbury Fire Department attended the Fallen Firefighter memorial located in Maryland this year. Members went to honor those lost in the line of duty, and to honor the two members recognized from Salisbury - Justin Monroe and Victor Isler. Members that did not attend worked extra shifts to ensure that the citizens of Salisbury had the same protection as usual for emergencies. Thank you to all members who made this trip possible, and to the Fire Department Auxiliary for the planning, meals, and taking care of everyone involved.
Monday September 21, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Working Fire
"B" Shift was dispatched to 201 N. Milford Street at 23:21 PM for a reported structure fire. Quint 4 arrived on scene with smoke showing from the basement of a two story wood frame residential. Quint 4 took water supply and pulled pulled the 2 1/2 hose to fly the wye. The crew from Quint 4 encountered moderate fire conditions with moderate heat, and called a working fire. Quint 3 took the FAST line, while Engine 2 took primary search. Rescue 1 took the secondary water supply and back-up line while Quint 1 secured utilities and assisted with a primary search of the basement. Quint 4 achieved a knock down and crews remained on scene for overhaul. Battalion 1 had command and Safety 1 had scene safety.
Sunday September 6, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Working Fire
"A" Shift was dispatched to 1225 E. Colonial Drive at 05:37 AM for a reported structure fire. Quint 3 arrived on scene with smoke showing from a single story, wood frame residential. Quint 3 gave the order for Quint 4 to lay a supply line. Quint 3 deployed the 2 1/2 hose to fly the wye. Quint 4 took the FAST line, Quint 1 took primary search, Rescue 1 took the back-up line and secondary water supply, and Quint 2 took the second truck company functions. Safety 1 had scene safety, and Battalion 1 established command. EMS was dispatched to the scene for patient treatment for burns. Quint 2 conducted vertical ventilation as requested by interior crews. A knockdown was achieved, and the scene was determined to be under control.
Thursday July 30, 2009
Chief Geter Retires and Passes The Keys
July 30, 2009 was Battalion Chief Bo Geter's last shift before retiring after 31 years of service to the citizens of Salisbury. Here, Battalion Chief Geter is "Passing the Buggy Keys" to newly promoted Battalion Chief Jay Baker. Both Geter and Baker graduated from North Rowan High School (only about 20 years apart) so they saw it appropriate to "Pass the Football Jersey" also. Thank you Chief Geter for everything you did, and all of the great memories you have left for us all. You made an impact on everyone here. We hope you enjoy your retirement!
Sunday July 26, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Working Fire
"A" Shift was dispatched to 728 W. Cemetery Street at 05:24 AM for a reported structure fire. Engine 3 was first on scene with a working structure fire, approximately 20 percent involved on the "C" side. Engine 3 took a water supply, and forced the door to start an offensive fire attack. The crew from Engine 3 encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions once inside, and made a knockdown. Quint 1 had the FAST line, and conducted overhaul when the fire was knocked down. Rescue 1 took primary search and assisted with fire attack once an all clear was reported. Quint 4 had the back-up line, Safety 1 had Safety, and Battalion 1 had Command. Crews were swapped out at shift change, and all units were cleared after 9:00 AM.
Saturday July 4, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Structure Fire
Quint 1 "A" Shift was dispatched to 935 S. Long Street at 14:29 PM for mutual aid to a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, Quint 1 was assigned to fire attack, and Battalion 1 established Command. Quint 1 was sent to rehab, and then assigned to protect a ruptured gas line. Crews were released by East Spencer, and returned to quarters.
Tuesday June 30, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Working Fire
"C" Shift was dispatched to 333 Camelot Drive at 20:15 PM for a reported structure fire. Quint 3 arrived on scene with a working fire from a two story, brick residential structure, fire showing on the second floor. Quint 3 took a water supply and pulled two 1 3/4 lines for fire attack. Quint 1 arrived and took the FAST line while Rescue 1 took search. Crews got an all clear on the first floor, but were forced back down due to high heat on the second floor. Due to low air, Rescue 1 took fire attack. Quint 3 was assigned to ventilation after SCBA bottles were replaced. Quint 4 took a secondary water supply and had a back up line. Quint 2 took truck company operations, and secured all utilities to the structure. Off duty personnel were called back in for duty for coverage of the City.
Saturday June 27, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Working Fire
"C" Shift was dispatched to 1423 W. Horah Street at 19:06 PM for a reported structure fire. Quint 3 arrived with smoke showing from a single story duplex. Quint 3 took a water supply and fire attack, Battalion 1 established Command. Quint 1 took the FAST line, and Rescue 1 took primary search. Quint 4 took a secondary water supply and assessed ventilation needs. Safety 1 took safety and secured utilities while Quint 2 had a back up line. Crews achieved a quick knock down, and went under control. Personnel remained on scene to pick up equipment.
Friday June 19, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Two Working Fires
"A" Shift was dispatched to 1428 Lutheran Synod Drive at 09:56 AM for a reported structure fire. Rescue 1 arrived on scene with heavy fire showing from the rear of a trailer full of hay bales. Rescue 1 and Quint 1 took fire attack, Engine 4 assisted with removing bales and extinguishment as well. Quint 2 personnel operated a backhoe and forklift that were used to remove the side of the trailer. Crews remained on scene for 5 hours completing overhaul operations. Several members were treated by EMS for dehydration due to the humidity and weather conditions for the day.
Quint 1 and Rescue 1 "A" Shift were dispatched to 835 Legion Club Drive at 16:03 PM for mutual aid on a reported structure fire. Granite Quarry personnel arrived on scene with a working fire from a residential structure. Quint 1 personnel were assigned fire attack, and Rescue 1 relieved Quint 1 personnel. Crews remained on scene until released, and returned to quarters.
Thursday June 18, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To MVA with Pin-In
"C" Shift was dispatched to the intersection of W. Innes Street and Craige Street at 08:30 AM for a reported vehicle accident with pin-in. Battalion 1 arrived on scene to find a two vehicle accident, with one patient pinned in the vehicle against a telephone pole. Battalion 1 established Command, and assigned Rescue 1 to rescue group. Quint 1 personnel pulled a protection line while Quint 3 personnel had patient care. Safety 1 took safety and Chief 20 had operations. Personnel on scene cut the door and rolled the dash, ending with a successful extrication.
Friday June 12, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Working Fire
"B" Shift was dispatched to 309 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue at 03:00 AM for a reported structure fire. Battalion 1 arrived on scene with a working fire from a one story, wood frame residential, with fire showing through the roof. Battalion 1 advised all companies that it would be a defensive fire operation. Aerial apparatus were set up for a defensive fire, and exposure lines were pulled. "B" Shift personnel were able to get a knock down from flowing Quint 1's aerial. Quint 2 personnel made an interior attack to confirm an all clear, Quint 1 had the back up line, Rescue 1 had RIT, and Quint 4 took the FAST team. Engine 3 laid a secondary water supply as Safety 1 took safety.
Thursday June 11, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To MVA w/ Pin In
"B" Shift was dispatched to N. Main Street an W. Kerr Street at 11:53 AM for a reported vehicle accident with pin in. Units arrived to find a two vehicle accident with one vehicle overturned. A protection line was pulled due to leaking gasoline on the ground. Personnel stabilized the vehicle with rescue jacks, and successfully extricated the patient from the vehicle. Battalion 1 established command, Quint 1 took extrication and a protection line, and Rescue 1 took stabilization.
Tuesday May 26, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Working Fire
"A" Shift was dispatched to 1230 Sydney Drive at 18:12 PM for a reported structure fire. Quint 2 arrived on scene with a working fire from a one story, double wide mobile home. Quint 2 laid a supply line and took fire attack. Quint 2 Captain made a lap and found heavy fire on the "B" side of the structure. Rescue 1 arrived to take the FAST team. Quint personnel were able to get a knock down, and were relieved by Quint 3 for overhaul. Battalion 1 established command, Safety 1 took safety, Quint 4 laid a secondary water supply, and Engine 1 took search. Units remained on scene to place apparatus in service.
Tuesday May 19, 2009
Rowan County EMS Veteran of the Year
Paramedic/Assistant Supervisor Althea Smith (Wife of Salisbury Fire Engineer Chris Smith) was named EMS Veteran of the Year. With 22 years of service to Rowan County, Smith has progressed from EMT to Paramedic and currently serves as an Assistant Shift Supervisor. A caring and experienced Paramedic, and one who is noted for bringing out the best in co-workers, Smith is a model for anyone interested in a career in EMS. Smith also actively serves as the Division's coordinator for the Medical Responder Program and also volunteers to coordinate many other department activities during the year. Congratulations Althea.
Friday May 15, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Announces Veteran and Rookie Firefighter of the Year
Salisbury Fire Department is proud to announce the Veteran and Rookie Firefighters of the year. Engineer Burleyson "A" Shift Quint 3 was named veteran of the year, and FCS Hedrick "B" Shift Quint 3 was named rookie of the year. Congratulations to both men for an outstanding year of service to the citizens of Salisbury. Below is a brief review of each member.
Engineer Burleyson is due to retire this year after many years of dedicated service. He has a long history of teaching CPR classes, and is credited by two City employees who attended his classes with giving them the ability to save a life in 2008. Engineer Burleyson is a mentor to the newer members of the department, and is willing to share his knowledge and skills with everyone. He is a member of the Rowan County Honor Guard, and plans to continue his services to the community after is retirement.
FCS Hedrick began his career in December 2008, and demonstrates a compassion for the job that is rarely seen. He completed the Salisbury Rookie School at RCCC and graduated with honors. FCS Hedrick excelled in rookie school, and his actions on emergency scenes are comparable to a seasoned veteran. He always maintains a positive attitude, and has a strong mechanical aptitude.
Saturday May 9, 2009
Rowan County Fire Muster Results
Congratulations to all of the Rowan County Fire Departments that participated in the Fire Muster this year. All of the teams that competed gave it their best, and awards were given to those that performed best. There were several events that were held with overall winners, and the following is a break down of the results:
Overall Winner of the 2009
Rowan County Fire Muster: Bostian Heights Fire Department
Bucket Brigade Event: 1)
Franklin Fire Department 2) Spencer Fire
Department 3) Bostian Heights Fire Department
Tug-of-War Event: 1) Bostian
Heights Fire Department 2) Spencer Fire Department
3) Atwell Fire Department
Firefighter Challenge: 1)
Granite Quarry Fire Department 2) Spencer Fire
Department 3) Franklin Fire Department
Turnout Gear Event: 1) Liberty
Fire Department 2) Atwell Fire Department
3) Franklin Fire Department
Waterball Event: 1) Millers
Ferry Fire Department 2) Bostian Heights Fire
Department 3) Granite Quarry Fire Department
There was also a Truck Class competition as well. The following is a list of the winners and the class of apparatus:
Antique Truck:
China Grove Fire Department
1980-1989: Millers Ferry Fire
Department Ladder 64
1990-1999: Franklin Fire
Department Engine 551
2000-2009 Covent: Atwell Fire
Department Tanker 405
2000-2009 Custom: Locke Fire
Department Engine 633
Rescue Class: Franklin Fire
Department Rescue 55
Brush Truck Class: Bostian
Heights Fire Department Brush 417
Saturday May 2, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Attends Memorial Service in Raleigh, NC
Members of Salisbury Fire Department traveled to Raleigh, NC with the families of Justin Monroe and Victor Isler to honor their sacrifice in the line of duty. Rescue 1 and Squad 1 participated in the Parade, and members attended the memorial service that our two brothers were honored at. Off duty members were utilized to staff the apparatus so that others could attend the service.
Wednesday April 29, 2009 and Thursday April 30, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Officers Attend Leadership Seminar
The officers of Salisbury Fire Department attended a two day leadership seminar that consisted of several topics. Empowerment, Leadership skills, Practical exercises, Presentations, Group work, Life Safety Initiatives, and LODD reviews were discussed and reviewed. The two day seminar consisted of presentations by Chief Officers from Salisbury Fire Department, Doug Paris (Assistant to City Manager), Chief John Salka (FDNY), and Chief John Sullivan (Worcester, MA). The Salisbury Fire Department Auxiliary members scheduled lunch and dinner for both days. This was a very exciting and successful event for the Salisbury Fire Department.
Tuesday April 21, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To MVA w/ Pin-In Involving a Fire Truck
"B" Shift Quint 4 was dispatched to 3520 Woodleaf Road at 09:04 AM for a mutual aid request for a pin-in involving a fire truck. Quint 4 personnel were released by Command upon arrival, and returned to the City. Salisbury Fire Department wishes a speedy recovery to all that were involved.
Friday April 17, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Makes Award Winning Chili
Congratulations to Quint 2 "C" Shift for preparing an award winning pot of chili for the annual chili cook-off. Engineer Chipper Thomas and FCS Jonathan McCaskill prepared the award winning chili. The award that was won was "Best Tasting Chili." A special thanks to Chief Morris and his wife Sonya for selling bowl after bowl to help raise money for Friday Night Out. Granite Quarry Fire Department and NuCare Ambulance Company also participated and won "Most Authentic" and "Hottest Chili" respectively.
Saturday April 4, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Working Fire
"C" Shift was dispatched to 1611 Second Street at 20:36 PM for a reported structure fire. Quint 2 laid a supply line and arrived on scene with nothing showing. Bystanders advised that the fire was in the basement. Quint 2 personnel noticed a working fire in the basement while making a lap. They pulled a 1 3/4 line for fire attack, forced the door, and got a knockdown. Rescue 1 took primary search, Quint 1 took the FAST line, Engine 3 laid a secondary water supply and manned a back up line. Quint 4 took truck company operations, Safety 1 took safety, and Battalion 1 established command. Crews remained committed on scene until overhaul operations were completed.
Tuesday March 31, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Members Complete NC Breathing School
Congratulations to FCS Shawn McBride (Quint 2 "C" Shift) and FCS Jawan Clark (Quint 2 "A" Shift) for successfully completing the NC Breathing School. This course is conducted at Gaston County Training grounds, and is a rigorous 5 day class. The class consists of numerous tasks relating to Fire Fighter Survival, and consists of wellness every day. Only two are selected each year from Salisbury, and we are proud of these two members for completing this course.
Friday March 20, 2009
Quint 2 Responds Mutual Aid To Working Fire
"B" Shift Quint 2 and Safety 1 were dispatched mutual aid to 310 Truck Avenue at 01:43 AM for a reported structure fire in South Salisbury's district. Quint 2 was first on scene to find heavy smoke showing from a two story commercial business. Quint 2 personnel pulled a line for fire attack, and South Salisbury established a water supply and took the FAST line. Quint 2 personnel made an aggressive interior attack, and got a quick knockdown on the fire. Quint 2 personnel were released, and returned to quarters.
Saturday March 14, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Participates in 5k Run
Members from Salisbury Fire Department participated in the St. Patrick's Day 5k run. The top runner from Salisbury Fire Department was Engineer Robbin Moon (Rescue 1 "A" Shift). Congratulations to Engineer Moon and all Fire Department personnel that participated.
Friday March 13, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Working Fire
"B" Shift was dispatched to 305 Milford Hills Road at 08:41 AM for a reported structure fire. Battalion 1 arrived on scene to find a two story, wood frame residential structure fully involved. Battalion 1 established command, Safety 1 took safety, and units were assigned to defensive tasks. Elevated master streams, ground mount deck guns, and protection lines were all placed in service. Units remained committed on scene until the fire was extinguished.
Saturday March 7, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Remembers Vic Isler and Justin Monroe
Saturday marked the one year anniversary of the Salisbury Millwork fire where Justin Monroe and Victor Isler gave their lives in the line of duty. A ceremony was conducted at the Fire Fighter Memorial off of South Main Street, and a gathering was held at Station 1. Salisbury Fire Department personnel traveled to Miller's Ferry Fire Department at 14:00 PM to observe the sign dedication for Justin Monroe. The City of Salisbury was covered by Charlotte Fire Department, Concord Fire Department, Monroe Fire Department, and Mooresville Fire Department. The Salisbury Fire Department would like to thank the surrounding departments, the community, City Council, City Manager, and Mayor for the support that was given, and the support that is offered every day.
Wednesday February 25, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Working Fire
"A" Shift was dispatched to 635 S. Caldwell Street at 18:37 PM for a reported structure fire. Battalion 1 arrived on scene with a working fire from a single story, wood frame duplex. Battalion 1 established command, and Safety 1 took safety. Quint 3 established a water supply and took fire attack. Engine 1 took the FAST line and Quint 2 took primary search. Rescue 1 took a secondary water supply and a back up line, while Quint 4 took truck company functions. Quint 3 achieved a knock down on the first floor, while Quint 4 achieved a knock down in the attic. Crews remained committed until overhaul was completed on the structure.
Sunday February 22, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Working Fire
"A" Shift was dispatched to 1030 S. Fulton Street at 18:52 PM for a reported structure fire. Quint 2 arrived on scene with a working fire from a two story wood frame residential structure. Quint 2 established a water supply and pulled a 1 3/4 line for fire attack. Battalion 1 arrived on scene and established command, while Safety 1 took safety. Quint 4 arrived on scene and took first in truck company operations, and performed vertical ventilation. Quint 3 established a secondary water supply and pulled a back up line. Quint 1 took the FAST line while Rescue 1 performed a primary search. While Quint 2 personnel were involved with fire attack, a Code Red was given, and fire emitted from the floor on Division 2. Quint 2 personnel were able to exit the structure, and a defensive mode was established. Off duty personnel were called in for station and district coverage. Crews eventually converted back to an offensive mode, and were able to get a knock down on the fire.
Saturday February 14, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Working Fire
"B" Shift was dispatched to 912 S. Church Street at 10:34 AM for a reported structure fire. Battalion 1 arrived on scene with smoke showing from a two story wood frame residential structure. Battalion 1 established command, Safety 1 took safety, Rescue 1 took fire attack, Quint 2 laid a water supply and took the FAST line. Quint 1 took primary search while Quint 3 established a secondary water supply. Quint 4 assessed ventilation and conducted a secondary search. The damage was contained to the first floor, and all crews remained committed.
Tuesday February 10, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Working Fire
"C" Shift was dispatched to 1323 Park Avenue at 01:18 AM for a reported structure fire. Quint 1 was first on scene and confirmed smoke showing from a two-story wood frame residential structure. Quint 1 pulled a 1 3/4 line for fire attack, Rescue 1 laid a water supply and took the FAST line. Battalion 1 established command while Safety 1 took safety. Quint 3 arrived and took primary search and secured the utilities. Quint 2 established a secondary water supply and back up line, while Quint 4 conducted overhaul. Damage was contained to a small area inside of a closet on the first floor.
Wednesday February 4, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To Working Fire Mutual Aid
"C" Shift Quint 1 was dispatched to 950 Dunns Mountain Church Road at 00:10 AM for a reported structure fire in Union's district. Quint 1 arrived on scene and personnel were assigned to the FAST line. Quint 1 personnel manned the FAST line until released by Union FD personnel.
Thursday January 29, 2009
Retired Salisbury Fire Department Member Passes Away
It is with deep sorrow that Salisbury Fire Department announces the passing of retired fire fighter W.H. (Billy) Cross. Billy joined Salisbury Fire Department on February 25, 1967 and served until he retired on April 1, 1997. Billy had a strong commitment to Salisbury Fire Department and was a friend to many. Billy was very active as a retired member, and made the retiree breakfast every year. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Fire fighter Cross.
Friday January 23, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds to Working Fire
"A" Shift was dispatched to 110 Stone Ridge Drive at 21:19 pm for a reported structure fire. Battalion 1 checked on scene with smoke showing from a two-story wood frame residential. Quint 1 took fire attack while Quint 2 laid the supply line and took FAST. Quint 1 encountered moderate fire conditions on the second floor, and made an immediate fire attack. Rescue 1 took primary search, Quint 4 took a secondary water supply and a back-up line. Quint 3 arrived on scene and took Truck Company functions. Battalion 1 established Command, and Safety 1 took Safety. Quint 1 was able to knock the fire down and the scene was determined to be under control. Units cleared after picking up equipment and placing apparatus back into service.
Monday January 19, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds to Working Fire
"B" Shift was dispatched to 210 Dove Meadow Drive at 02:42 am for a reported structure fire. Quint 4 arrived on scene with smoke showing from a mobile home. Quint 4 personnel had to fly the wye, and encountered heavy smoke and moderate heat upon entering the structure. Quint 2 took FAST, and Rescue 1 took a water supply due to lack of hydrants in the area. Quint 3 took ventilation and Quint 1 took RIC. Command was established and an aggressive fire attack was made. Although Quint 4 personnel achieved a quick knock-down, the home suffered severe heat and smoke damage. All units remained committed on scene until apparatus were placed back in service.
Friday January 16, 2009
Salisbury Fire Department Responds To 5 Vehicle Accident
"C" Shift responded to a five vehicle accident at the intersection of Jake Alexander Blvd and E. Innes Street. The apparatus shielded the scene in a protective barrier as this is one of the busiest intersections in Salisbury. FCS II Brian Sebastian stopped off duty on his way home from work to assist with patient care before crews arrived. Brian was the recipient of the customer service award for the month, due to his actions. Congratulations Brian!
Wednesday January 7, 2009
Winds Rip Through Salisbury
"C" Shift was kept busy today responding to numerous power lines down and other related emergencies. Gusts reportedly reached between 30 and 40 MPH. Pictured is a home in the North end of Salisbury that was damaged by a fallen tree. Rescue 1, Quint 3, and Safety 1 secured the utilities and assisted the homeowner. There were no injuries at this incident.